by vanessahuber | Jul 2, 2025 | News
The U.S. LTL industry is a fascinating mix of massive national carriers and agile regional specialists. According to analysts, the top 25 LTL carriers control over 80% of total market capacity and revenue, underscoring a highly consolidated industry structure. This tight control by a few players creates consistent pricing and capacity but may also leave gaps, especially in unique regional or specialized service needs.
Major Carriers: The Backbone of LTL
Leading companies like FedEx Freight, Old Dominion Freight Line, Estes Express Lines, XPO, R+L Carriers, Saia, and ABF Freight dominate this top‑25 tier. These giants offer:
- Nationwide hub‑and‑spoke infrastructure
- Advanced tracking systems
- Ability to absorb high volumes
As noted by the Journal of Commerce, even with “soft demand,” these carriers have posted gains of around +3.9% in revenue and +2.7% in daily volumes, proving their resilience.
Transport Topics also provides annual rankings of the top LTL carriers in the industry.
The Value of Regional & Niche LTL Carriers
Yet, beyond this elite group lies a rich ecosystem of regional and niche LTL carriers. These providers excel in flexibility, personalized service, and local expertise, often overlooked by large shippers but essential for certain lanes or special requirements.
Logistics Plus, for instance, frequently taps into specialized carriers to meet customers’ diverse LTL freight needs. Some standout examples include:
- R
IST Transport — Northeast
RIST possesses a deep understanding of New England and Mid‑Atlantic logistics, offering seamless access to tight urban hubs, expedited local pickups, and higher service touch in congested corridors.
- Pace Motor Lines — CT, MA, NJ, Metro NY, RI
Pace’s strategic location on Interstate I-95 makes us the first choice for time and damage-free transportation within its geographic footprint. Their professional and TSA-certified drivers offer superior performance, real-time PODs, and great customer service.
Lake Erie Trucking — Central U.S.
Well‑versed in serving the Erie, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo markets, this carrier blends cross‑dock efficiency with dependable regional service—an excellent option for consolidated shipments in the industrial Great Lakes.
North Park Transportation — Upper West
Operating in mountain‑adjacent regions (e.g., Idaho, Montana, Utah, Colorado), North Park tackles geographic challenges like high‑altitude routes, seasonal roads, and remote deliveries, offering expertise the larger carriers may struggle to match.
Line Drive Trucking — Southern California
Specializing in SoCal freight, this carrier maneuvers heavily congested freeways and dense urban volumes to deliver ark-fast, reliable regional service in port and metro lanes, offering a nimbleness that big national carriers can’t replicate.
Why Partner with Both Types?
Bringing together the stronghold of the top‑25 carriers and the specialized strengths of niche providers gives Logistics Plus a layered advantage:
By blending both, shippers gain the best of both worlds: robust backbone capacity plus precision regional expertise—all orchestrated by a logistics integrator who knows where each carrier excels.
2025 & Beyond: A Shifting Landscape
Despite broader economic pressures, the LTL sector remains strong. Carriers in the top rung are regaining momentum, with volume and revenue growth rebounding. This stabilization not only benefits the giants but also opens opportunities for regional and niche providers who can scale thoughtfully in underserved corridors.
At the same time, consolidation continues—big players are acquiring smaller rivals and expanding their terminal networks, potentially increasing demand for specialized partnerships in harder-to-serve regions.
Bottom Line
The top‑25 LTL carriers dominate more than 80% of the market, ensuring capacity, infrastructure, and pricing stability.
However, regional and niche carriers like RIST, Pace, Lake Erie, North Park, and Line Drive bring local responsiveness and customized service, crucial for many customers’ needs.
Logistics Plus offers access to both—balancing scale and structure with regional mastery and agility to create flexible, reliable, cost-effective solutions.
By partnering with both mega-carriers and agile niche players, Logistics Plus helps shippers avoid being one-size-fits-all, ensuring every load finds the best path at the right price, with service that fits its unique journey.
Contact us for more information.
by vanessahuber | Jun 30, 2025 | News
Logistics Plus (LP) AERO Ltd (UK), in collaboration with Logistics Plus France and Logistics Plus, Inc. (US), successfully organized the air transportation of a GEnx-1B aircraft engine from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), USA, to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Kenya.
The Logistics Plus team handled a coordinated pickup and trucking from the engine’s manufacturer to the New York (JFK) airport. A 23-ton forklift had to be specially arranged for safe engine unloading, and then the cargo was transshipped at a European hub. Throughout the process, LP AERO staff were on site for end-to-end oversight of all critical stages, including loading, transfer, and unloading.
The GEnx-1B is the largest aircraft engine that a Boeing 747F can transport, making this project an example of the precise planning and expert execution required by the LP AERO team.
Photos from this project can be seen below.
To learn more about Logistics Plus air charter solutions, please visit logisticsplus.com/lpaero. You can contact the team by emailing aero@logisticsplus.com.
by vanessahuber | Jun 26, 2025 | News
In today’s fast-paced global market, getting goods from one place to another quickly can make all the difference. As businesses strive to meet customer demands and manage supply chains efficiently, air freight emerges as a vital option. However, with higher air cargo pricing compared to other modes of transport, understanding when air freight is worth the cost is crucial for any business.
Speed as a Strategic Advantage
Several factors, including weight, size, distance, and the specific routes, influence air freight rates. Air freight is almost always more expensive than land or sea transport because of the speed and convenience it offers. When calculating air freight costs, businesses must consider both the base rate and additional surcharges. These can include fuel surcharges, security fees, customs duties, and other related expenses.
Security for High-Value Shipments
The primary advantage of air freight is speed. When time is of the essence and the delivery of goods cannot be delayed, air freight is the best choice. This is especially true for perishable goods, high-demand products, or time-sensitive materials needed for production. For critical shipments that require even more specialized handling, air charter services offer a tailored solution with maximum flexibility and speed.
Air freight is often the preferred choice for transporting high-value goods. The enhanced security measures and reduced transit time mean less risk of damage or theft, making it a safer option for luxury items, electronics, and other valuable products.
Is Air Freight Worth the Cost?
To determine whether air freight is worth the cost, businesses should conduct a thorough analysis of air freight costs. Consider the following:
- Total Cost vs. Value of Goods: Compare the cost of air freight with the value of the goods being shipped. If the goods are of high value or if their timely delivery adds significant value, the higher price may be justified.
- Impact on Supply Chain: Assess the impact of air freight on the overall supply chain management. Faster delivery can mean reduced inventory holding costs and improved cash flow, potentially offsetting higher shipping costs.
- Customer Satisfaction: In some cases, meeting customer expectations for rapid delivery can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, ultimately leading to long-term business benefits.
Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, choosing air freight depends on balancing the need for speed against the cost. Businesses must weigh the urgency, value, and impact on the supply chain to make informed decisions about their actions. While air freight rates can be steep, the benefits of reduced transit times, enhanced security, and meeting customer demands can often justify the expense.
Logistics Plus Air Freight Solutions
Are you looking for a reliable and trusted full-service air freight partner to get your freight in the air and to its destination? Look no further. Logistics Plus has years of experience working with our airline partners to make sure your deadlines are met.
Contact us today for more information or to request a no-obligation quote.
by Hannah McCall | Jun 20, 2025 | News
Scott Frederick, CMO & LTL Carrier Relations at Logistics Plus was featured on the Business Spotlight program, produced in partnership with WPSE Money Radio. Business Spotlight is a monthly 30-minute program that airs regionally and streams globally.
In this month’s Logistics Plus segment, Scott shares his personal journey, dives into the origins of National Logistics Day with some fascinating historical insights, and celebrates the inspiring success stories that have shaped Logistics Plus into a global leader.
You can listen to a replay of the interview on the Logistics Plus Podcasts page or by clicking below on our LP Radio channel on Spotify.
by Ryan Markiewicz | Jun 18, 2025 | News
The Logistics Plus (LP) Japan team successfully transported three food processing machines from Belgium to Japan. This breakbulk operation required precise planning and coordination across international and domestic logistics ports to ensure the safe and timely delivery of heavy equipment for one of Japan’s major confectionery manufacturers.
The scope of work handled by the LP Japan team included:
- Managing the transport of three units ranging from 1 to 25 tons
- Coordination with our agent, EVO, for breakbulk shipping from Antwerp to Yokohama
- Arranging a domestic feeder vessel on a charter basis from Yokohama to Kushiro
- Crane operations for cargo loading at the Port of Yokohama
- Close coordination with the consignee for final discharge in Kushiro
Photos of the project are available below. Visit the in-country Logistics Plus Japan website at https://jp.logisticsplus.com/
The Logistics Plus (LP) Poland team continues to support and manage projects across Poland and nearby countries. Here are the most recent projects handled by 